Shakespeare anniversary honoured by Willard Wigan

'To see or not to see' is the ironic title of a microscopic model of Shakespeare created by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wiggan to celebrate 400 years since the death of the Bard.

Mr Wiggan MBE, who grew up in Wednesfield, has created what he describes as his 'greatest portrait to date' of Shakespeare, which is smaller than a full stop in a newspaper article.

The model will be on display from April 8 to May 2 at Light House Media Centre in Wolverhampton, from 10am to 9pm. It will then be auctioned internationally after the exhibition closes.

Mr Wiggan said: "Shakespeare is the greatest storyteller the world has ever known and I wanted to honour him in the best way I can."

The piece, which can only be seen through a microscope, reveals what Willard believes is the Midlands' greatest son, in a teal tunic and purple stockings presenting a celebratory pose and smile.

The spectacular sculpture, which took the world-renowned artist a mere four weeks to complete, will join the exhibition 'Willard Wigan: Homecoming', featuring 30 microscopic pieces including the popular 'Noddy Holder in a Needle'.

Sculpted using fragments of cable tie as materials, Willard completed his piece with a 24 carat gold frame around the amended Hamlet quote. It was painted using a floating fibre plucked from the air as a paintbrush and polished to a shine using microscopic fragments of diamonds.

Tickets for the exhibition cost £6 for adults and £4 for 16-year-olds and under.

For more information, visit www.light-house.co.uk or call the box office on 01902 716 055.